The Spirit Guardians Book 4: Liberated

Chapter 32

Irene's eyes slowly peered open, giving her a few of the dark ceiling. She could hear the others rustling around and listened as her own alarm beeped a moment later. A groan came from her throat, and she reached for her lamp, beginning to collect her things and get ready.

Today they would be heading closer to the headquarters, planning an attack for the following day. Irene's stomach twisted at the thought of being back inside that hell. She had no desire to see Miguel, her parents, and especially not Lynch. Irene's fingers closed around the sheets of her bed as she furiously remembered her time there. She hoped she could feel the slightest bit of vengeance by tomorrow evening.

Irene grabbed her duffel bag and lugged it down the steps. Most of the others were downstairs eating a quick breakfast before taking off. Elijah was sitting on Cassie's lap, his hair messy from a proper night's rest. He held a blanket close to himself and rubbed his eyes. Irene was thankful that he would be taken away to a safer location later today.

"Breakfast," Cherie hummed, shoving a bowl of oatmeal into Irene's hands.

She gazed down at the mushy substance, watching the steam rise from it. Irene rummaged through the drawers for a spoon, slowly scooping bits of breakfast into her mouth as the others trickled in.

"All right. Protocol for today," Cherie announced, seeming much too excited for someone about to go into war. "We'll be driving half the day to a location closer to the headquarters. There are a few camps set up to hold our allies and many of the troops. We'll finalize plans one more time tonight, and then the battle will occur tomorrow. You're sure the Preservers have gotten your messages, Irene?"

Irene glanced up and nodded. Lynch himself would not respond to her, but she'd managed to get into contact with a former employee at work. The news spread fast that Cassandra Black would be handed over the fourteenth. Of course, Irene had also contacted the spies she had previously worked with, making sure they knew the details and especially making sure Ernie would be at the gate they entered.

Cassie looked rather grim as Irene stared at her. If all else, Irene hoped Cassie lived a prosperous life when all was done. She deserved it, especially after all the hard work she had put in. Irene noticed Marc's fingers were loosely joined with Cassie's as they ate.

Irene's eyes ventured toward Lillian, who was speaking quietly with Mitsuki in the corner. Irene didn't know what she would do if she lost Lillian in the next forty-eight hours. She didn't care if she wasn't dating the girl anymore. She still loved Lillian and wanted to keep her safe.

Lillian glanced up, clearly noticing her gaze. Irene quickly diverted her attention back to her breakfast, hoping she had not embarrassed herself too much with such a long stare.

"Last minute rounds, everyone!" Cherie announced.

Irene wandered around her bedroom a few minutes, though all her essential goods were already packed. She picked up the picture frame of her and Elijah, the faintest trace of a smile appearing on her face as she gazed at it. Would she be able to make him proud?

I hope you never have to know the sins I've committed, Irene thought, staring at his newborn face in the image.

Irene met the others back downstairs near the door. Cherie was running around the house, turning off every light and making sure every appliance was unplugged. The cabin had never been left unattended like this, Irene had learned. Francesco had usually stayed behind to care for it in the others' absence.

Irene wondered what it would be like when she returned. Would she remain here? Would she take over caring for Elijah and find a little home for the two of them? She supposed it was something she could face later.